ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
A Fijian media freedom and human rights advocate says the country needs more political participation leading up to next year’s election.
Mosmi Bhim is a lecturer at the Department of Ethics and Governance at the Fiji National University and also a campaigner for the NGO Citizens’ Constitutional Forum.
She is concerned not enough new actors avail themselves of the opportunity to help steer Fiji back to democracy.
“Indeed, this is worrying for Fiji, because it indicates that the cream of Fiji’s society is largely refusing to take an active part in the political activities of the country,” Bhim said in an interview with the Fiji Sun. Bhim said she hoped to see the emergence of a new wave of young aspiring politicians in Fiji.
“By new political actors, I mean the younger generation and people who have not been in the public eye for the past 30 years,” she said.
“These would be the professionals in the 35-45 year age group, who would have adequate experience and knowledge, and have bountiful energy and a new vision for Fiji.” Military withdrawal Bhim said it was important ”Fiji’s military withdraws from public life and civilians are given control of key government positions”.
“The military needs to refrain from commenting on or interfering in matters that are supposed to be civilian affairs of national interest.”
The academic argued that the government must be seen to be fair, transparent and respectful of people’s opposing views.
“People should feel free to express their views, even if the views are different from the military’s or the government’s.”
The academic pointed to three reasonswhy young Fijians were not taking an interest to actively participate in the political process.
“Firstly, these young professionals have just established their careers and have families to look after as well as mortgages to pay,” Bhim said.
- Report – By Rosie Doviverata ofthe Fiji Sun
A Fijian media freedom and human rights advocate says the country needs more political participation leading up to next year’s election. Mosmi Bhim is a lecturer at the Department of Ethics and Governance at the Fiji National University and also a campaigner for the NGO Citizens’ Constitutional...
A Fijian media freedom and human rights advocate says the country needs more political participation leading up to next year’s election.
Mosmi Bhim is a lecturer at the Department of Ethics and Governance at the Fiji National University and also a campaigner for the NGO Citizens’ Constitutional Forum.
She is concerned not enough new actors avail themselves of the opportunity to help steer Fiji back to democracy.
“Indeed, this is worrying for Fiji, because it indicates that the cream of Fiji’s society is largely refusing to take an active part in the political activities of the country,” Bhim said in an interview with the Fiji Sun. Bhim said she hoped to see the emergence of a new wave of young aspiring politicians in Fiji.
“By new political actors, I mean the younger generation and people who have not been in the public eye for the past 30 years,” she said.
“These would be the professionals in the 35-45 year age group, who would have adequate experience and knowledge, and have bountiful energy and a new vision for Fiji.” Military withdrawal Bhim said it was important ”Fiji’s military withdraws from public life and civilians are given control of key government positions”.
“The military needs to refrain from commenting on or interfering in matters that are supposed to be civilian affairs of national interest.”
The academic argued that the government must be seen to be fair, transparent and respectful of people’s opposing views.
“People should feel free to express their views, even if the views are different from the military’s or the government’s.”
The academic pointed to three reasonswhy young Fijians were not taking an interest to actively participate in the political process.
“Firstly, these young professionals have just established their careers and have families to look after as well as mortgages to pay,” Bhim said.
- Report – By Rosie Doviverata ofthe Fiji Sun
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